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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Great northern diver Seascape viewed from RSPB Freiston Shore reserve Great northern diver profile
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Great northern diver

Amber conservation status

Latin name

Gavia immer

Family

Divers (Gaviidae)

Overview

The largest of the UK's divers, it has a bigger, heavier head and bill than its commoner relatives. It is largely a winter visitor to our shores although some non-breeding birds stay off northern coasts in the summer.

Where to see them

Around coasts where it is usually solitary, often farther out to sea than other divers. Occasionally seen inland on reservoirs. Largest numbers off the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland and also the Cornish coast.

When to see them

They start to arrive offshore in August and birds move back to their largely Icelandic breeding grounds in April and May.

What they eat

Fish and crustaceans

Estimated numbers

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
--2,500-3,000 birds-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

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1 illustration

Illustrations
Great northern diver

Great northern divers - non-breeding plumage (foreground) and adult breeding (background)

Similar birds

Black-throated divers (illustration)

Black-throated diver

Red-throated diver in summer plumage (illustration)

Red-throated diver

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As a supporter of green and ethical investment, the RSPB is supporting National Ethical Investment Week 2008.

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 14/02/2008 11:46:44
Show/hide picture credits
Great northern diver - Graham Catley
Seascape viewed from RSPB Freiston Shore reserve - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_20667_0009 )
Great northern diver profile - Richard Bedford
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)